Noble victory for Warriors
Wigan showed no mercy to former boss Brian Noble and his Crusaders as they triumphed 38-6 at the DW Stadium.
Last Updated: 05/02/10 10:17pm
Wigan showed no mercy to former boss Brian Noble and his Crusaders as they triumphed 38-6 on opening night at the DW Stadium.
The result was the perfect start for new Warriors coach Michael Maguire, who has taken charge of the Cherry and Whites following Noble's departure.
Amos Roberts scored two of the seven tries from the home side, five of which were converted by Pat Richards, as they ran out comfortable winners.
The only consolation for the Crusaders came courtesy of a try from Luke Dyer just before half time, though by then they were already well behind.
Challenging times
Having been used to battling it out at the top of the table for much of his coaching career, Noble now knows the size of the challenge facing him to turn around the fortunes of a franchise that won just three times in 2009.
The campaign had begun with a brave display in defeat to Leeds in their new home in Wrexham, but seven days on and it was much more one-way traffic.
Not even debutant Weller Hauraki, the latest new face to arrive at the Welsh club, could help make the most of an early bout of possession.
After soaking up the pressure Wigan hit the front through Roberts' first of the night, the winger capitalising on Gareth Raynor's inability to deal with Michael Phelps' grubber kick.
Before 30 minutes were gone on the clock the hosts had scored twice more - prop Andy Coley and centre Martin Gleeson going over.
Richards managed to convert both before grabbing the fourth try himself when he managed to touch down another probing kick from full-back Phelps.
Dyer finally gave the Crusaders something to celebrate when he went over in the corner just two minutes before the hooter. Michael Witt's conversion from the touchline made the half-time score 20-6.
Delightful Deacon
But with Sam Tomkins creating problems and Paul Deacon pulling the strings on debut for his hometown club, Wigan were always in full control.
It was a lofted kick from Deacon that led to Phelps, who out-jumped Nick Youngquest, grabbing a try his fine personal display merited.
A superb weaving run resulted in Roberts completing his double with Richards adding the extras to make it 32-6 with an hour gone.
Only some careless handling cost Wigan more than the one try in the final quarter - substitute Lee Mossop getting it when he darted through a gap.
